Improvement in cartridge feed-cases for machine-guns



vW. B. FRANKLIN. Cartridge-Feed Case for Machine-Guns.

Patented Feb. 2,1875.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM E. FRANKLIN, OE EAETEOED, CONNECTICUT, AssIeNoR T o COLTfs PATENT EINE-ARMs MANUFACTURINGr COMPANY, or sAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN CARTRIDGE FEED-CASES FOR MACHINE-GUNS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 159,404., dated February 2, 1875; application led september 1e, 1874. i

tion of the same, and which said drawings constitu te part of this specification, and represent, in*

Figure 1 perspective View, and in- Fig. 2 vertical central section.

This invention relates to an improvement in the cases in machine-guns for the purpose of introducing the charged cartridge with special reference to the Gatling gun, and as au improvement on the feed-case shown iu a patent granted to Gatling, y'February 28th, 1871, No. 112,138.

The feedcase is a tube of nearly rectangular cross-section, in which the cartridges are placed, one upon another, with their axes nearly parallel. Such a filled case is applied in a nearly vertical position to the hopper of the gun, and the cartridges fall from the case into the hopper, as/Vquired to supply the gum The case iu the said Gatliug patent is constructed with a tlap hinged to one edge of thelower end ofthe feed-case, and held closed by a spring-latch upon the other side. This'flap is au inconvenience in the use of the case, is liable to get out of repair, and adds materially to the cost of the feed-cases. The object of this invention is to avoid entirely :the use 4of the Ila-p; and it consists in combining with the case a spring, the nose Of which extends across the lower or open end of the case to directly support the cartridges in the case, as more fully hereinafter described.

A is the feed-ease of substantially the usual form and constructiom'with a slit, B, in one side; D, a weighted follower moving freely up and down within the case and lies upon the cartridges C, and should be of sufficient weight to overcome any resistance tending to prevent the free falling of the cartridges from the case when in place upon the gun; F, a thumb-piece attached to the follower through the slit B for the purpose of moving the follower, by hand when occasion requires. Upon the side of the case is a spring, G, terminating at the lower end in a head, H, which eX- teuds across the open end vor mouth of the case, as secu in Fig. 2,`suficiently far that the lower cartridge will rest directly upon it, and thereby support the column of cartridges above. The head should extend at least to the center line'of the cartridges, in order that the weightof the column may not tend to force back the head and allow the cartridges to prematurely escape.

In charging the vcase'the head is withdrawn, as in broken lines, `Fig. 2, thespring Gr readily allowing such movement, and it is also drawn back in like manner, when the case is placed in the gun to allow the cartridges to fall fromthe caseinto the hopper, as they are required. iy By this construction the hinged flap usually employed is ispensed with.

I claim- In combination with the feed-'case oI- af maehine-guuthe spring Gand headH, ezitending over the mouth or openjend' of the case, substantially as described, and for the purpose of supporting the cartridges directly thereon.

` W. B. FRANKLIN.A Witnesses:

S. ANDREWS REEDER, ROBT. O. THOMSON. 

